Annual Conference

The Annual Conference is our flagship national event, supporting water professionals since its inception in 1945. Rotating locations each year based on our President, the conference serves as the event for learning, professional development, and networking in the water sector.

Why attend the Annual Conference?

Sian Rogerson, Principal Consultant at Stantec, shares what draws her to the Institute of Water Annual Conference.

Passionate about her career in the water sector, Sian explains the importance of staying up to date with industry developments, understanding cultural and operational challenges, and using the conference as a platform for learning and professional growth.

What you can expect

In addition to our Annual Conference, we host a series of associated events each year designed to complement and enrich participants’ overall experience. These occasions offer unique opportunities for networking and socialising, set in remarkable and historic venues that add an extra touch of magic.

Click to watch an overview of all the 2025 events, where we celebrated 80 years of IWater and the Annual Conference.

80 Years of IWater

Each year’s theme

Each year, the Annual Conference is shaped around a central theme that reflects the key challenges, priorities, and opportunities facing the water sector. Every session is designed to align with this overarching focus, ensuring the programme is timely, relevant, and impactful.

Here are some examples of recent themes:

  • 2025 – Full Stream Ahead: Accelerating Action for a Sustainable Future

  • 2024 – Challenging Waters, United Purpose

  • 2023 – Trust in Water: An Invaluable Element

  • 2022 – Great Expectations: Reconciling the Demands on Our Sector to Deliver for Today and Tomorrow

What Annual Conference participants say:

“We send employees to the Institute of Water Annual Conference every year as it is a great opportunity to support continuous professional development and collaboratively work with other water companies. Attending this event allows our employees to network with other like-minded water professionals and make valuable connections. The event is good for those new to the industry to learn and gain insight from speakers and other attendees, but also good for those with experience in the industry who are looking to broaden their knowledge and get involved. The event educates and highlights on all areas in the water sector which can help to inspire career choices. Our employees that have attended the event always provide highly positive feedback and it is something we are very passionate about being involved in as a business.”


Portsmouth Water

“It is an excellent personal development opportunity and a chance for people to lift their heads beyond the day jobs and gain a broader perspective.”

 

Simon Cyhanko, Head of Wastewater Networks, Northumbrian Water Group

“For those who have never been before, it is so much more than just the two day Conference. I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to listen to such a broad range of speakers and to be a part of an open discussion on this important aspect of both our sector and our lives.”

 

Graham Powell, Fellow, Institute of Water

“Aqua Consultants were please to be a sponsor and enjoyed opening some of the sessions. It’s Kicked off collaboration with the Institute and others. I was happy to return after several years; the sessions were relevant and informative, and the evening entertainment was excellent too- thank you!”

 

Neal Edmondson, Director of Shared Capability, Aqua Consultants

 

“I was thrilled to be able to speak at the Annual Conference on how our political engagement work is helping to rebuild trust in the sector. Everyone was so supportive and kind in their feedback afterwards and it sparked loads of great conversations.”

 

Lydia Dareheath CEnv, Public Affairs Manager, Anglian Water

Get involved as an Exhibitor or Sponsor

Each year, our Annual Conference and associated events grant an unparalleled opportunity for sector organisations to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of water.

 

Showcase your brand, products, and services to a diverse audience of water professionals, experts, and decisionmakers. Benefit from extensive visibility before, during, and after the event.

 

Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to be a driving force in the advancement of the water sector.